How to Improve Your MPG

Gas prices are high and your have already stretched your budget as far as it will go. You have found ways to cut other expenses, such as clipping coupons to save on groceries and cutting your energy use down at home. However, there is no way to get around the money you spend each week filling up your car. Or is there? By learning how to improve your vehicle's MPG, you just might be able to save a few dollars at the pump.

Drive nice. A lead foot, along with lots of sudden stops and quick take offs can turn your car into a major gas-guzzler. According to a report by the auto consumer website Edmunds.com, ceasing to drive aggressively can result in a huge improvement in your vehicle's MPG. Perhaps you think you drive fine and everyone else out there is aggressive. Even so, by leaving sufficient space between you and the car ahead of you, braking gently and slowly and starting up the same way, your MPG may improve by leaps and bounds.

Don't speed. Aside from the fact that it can earn you a budget-busting moving violation, speeding wastes gas. Improve your MPG by staying out of the hammer lane and within the posted MPH. If you think you have to speed to be on time, consider this. Traveling 20 miles at 50 MPH, you will reach your destination in 24 minutes. Driving the same 20-mile stretch at 70 MPH will get you there in just over 17 minutes. Most highways in the U.S. have a speed limit around 60 MPH. Staying at this speed will save you gas and get you to your destination in about 20 minutes. Leave the house a few minutes earlier, improve your MPG and stay safe.

Go cruising. Most modern cars come equipped with cruise control. If you do a lot of highway driving, putting this feature to use will improve your MPG by incorporating regulated driving (not a lot of stops and start) and maintaining a lower speed.

Check your tires. When your tires are properly inflated and not showing a lot of wear, your vehicle rides better and therefore saves gas. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your MPG by up to 3% - which translates to up to 7¢ per gallon saved - by keeping your car's tires properly inflated.

Lighten up, would you? By getting rid of the junk in your trunk, you can significantly improve your MPG. While you may not want to dump that spare tire or other emergency necessities, you should unload those golf clubs or other weighty items. A report by Bankrate states that your car loses one MPG for every 250 pounds you carry.

Finally, maintain your vehicle. Gunky oil, a clogged air filter and other easily remedied conditions can hamper your car's gas mileage. Keep up on oil changes and other recommended services to improve your MPG and prevent those oh-so-costly repair bills.